13 Youth Conferences Throughout the United States

Convened by the Universal House of Justice, sponsored by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States

“From the panorama of the Bahá’í world engaged in earnest activity, one phenomenon strikes us especially: the decisive contribution made by youth on every continent…. To spur on this mighty enterprise and to summon today’s youth to fully assume the responsibilities they must discharge in this fast-contracting interval, we announce the convocation of … youth conferences … planned for locations that span the globe….

Beloved friends: To every generation of young believers comes an opportunity to make a contribution to the fortunes of humanity, unique to their time of life. For the present generation, the moment has come to reflect, to commit, to steel themselves for a life of service from which blessing will flow in abundance.”

— The Universal House of Justice, February 8, 2013

Reports, photographs, and audio-visual materials from the conferences will be featured at bahai.org as they become available.

Oakland / July 26 — 28

Phoenix / July 19 — 21

San Diego / August 9 — 11

For those residing in CA-SE clusters (except CA-SE01, CA-SE03, CA-SE04)

Seattle / July 26 — 28

For residents of: Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Washington, Wyoming

Washington D.C.
/ August 16 — 18

For residents of: District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

Please Consider

The National Spiritual Assembly warmly invites you to attend one of 13 Youth Conferences that are happening across the United States and one of 114 that are convening globally. The beloved Universal House of Justice has called to attend these gatherings youth who recognize “in the methods and instruments of the Plan potent means for movement towards a better society.” Your full participation in the conference for your state will undoubtedly contribute significantly to translating the insights gained there into action in your region. The love of the National Spiritual Assembly for you knows no bounds. See you at the conference!

Conference FAQ

About the Conferences

Who may attend the youth conferences?

All individuals ages 15 through 30, including those who are not registered Baha’is, may attend the conference located in the city assigned to the state in which they reside.

Which conference may I attend?

You may register to attend the conference that has been designated for the state where you currently reside, according to the membership records of the National Spiritual Assembly. (e.g., According to the Membership and Records Office at the Bahá’í National Center, I am a resident of Oklahoma; therefore, I may register for and attend the Dallas Conference.)

May I attend more than one conference?

No. It is important that you attend the conference that has been designated for the state in which you reside.

May I attend a conference in a city different than the one that has been designated for the state in which I reside? What if I am unable to attend the conference in the city designated for my state of residence?

It is important that you attend the conference that is designated for your state in order to contribute significantly to translating the insights gained at the conference into action in your region and to the process of community building at the cluster level, where sustained action can be fostered.

If there is a compelling reason that prevents you from attending the conference for your state of residence, you may contact the Youth Conference Information Desk at: 847-733-3552 or youthconf@usbnc.org.

The address listed for me in the Membership and Records Office at the Bahá’í National Center is incorrect. What should I do?

If you would like to create a Bahá'í Online Services account (formerly “My Page”) in order to update your own contact information in the national records, register at: https://auth.bahai.us/secure/upgrade/.

If you do not have a Bahá'í Online Services account, inform the Membership Office at the Bahá'í National Center at: membership@usbnc.org or 847-733-3445.

I am a parent of a minor; may I accompany them to the conference?

A parent(s) or guardian(s) may accompany the minor and stay with them at the hotel or university. However, attendance in the conference proceedings is limited to those between the ages of 15 through 30.

What if I can’t attend all of the sessions?

You are encouraged to reflect on your purpose for attending the conference. The beloved Universal House of Justice has invited to these gatherings youth who recognize “in the methods and instruments of the Plan potent means for movement towards a better society.”* Therefore, your full participation in all sessions will undoubtedly contribute significantly to translating the insights gained at the conference into action in your region.
— Excerpt from the February 8, 2013, letter from the Universal House of Justice

What will attendees do at the conference?

The entire program is being planned at the Bahá’í World Center. More information will be shared with registrants as it becomes available.

When is on-site conference check-in for Youth Conference attendees?

On-site check-in for each Youth Conference will begin the evening before the first full day of the conference.

On-site check-in means that you have already registered for the Youth Conference through this website (youthconf.bahai.us).

About Registration

Is there a registration fee for the youth conference?

No. There is no charge to attend the conference.

Is registration required in order to attend a youth conference?

Yes. In order for the conference organizers to ensure adequate facilities and resources are planned for, we request that registration be completed as soon as possible.

How do I register for the Youth Conference?

You may register as an individual by clicking on the “Register Yourself” button or as a group by clicking on the “Register With Others As a Group” button.

How does someone without a Bahá’í ID register for the Youth Conference?

Youth who are not registered Bahá'ís may be registered by any Bahá’í with a Bahá’í ID number.

When registering someone for the conference it is important that the individual is engaged in or has shown direct interest in participating in the community building activities referred to in the Plans of the Universal House of Justice.

The address listed for me in the Membership and Records Office at the Bahá’í National Center is incorrect. What should I do?

You may update your own contact information in the national records through “My Page” or by contacting the Membership and Records Office at: membership@usbnc.org or 847-733-3445. (You can register for MyPage here: https://auth.bahai.us/secure/upgrade/ or contact the Administrative Tools Help Desk toll free at: 866-818-5724 or AdminToolsHelp@usbnc.org.)

Can I register as part of a group?

Yes. Youth are highly encouraged to register with other youth from their neighborhood or cluster.

How does the “Register With Others As a Group” button work?

Once clicking on the button to register as a group, you will be asked to complete the registration form for one individual at a time. Once you see the confirmation page, you can register the next person in your group by clicking on the “Continue to Register Others” button provided at the bottom of the confirmation page.

What is the purpose of the “Register With Others As a Group” button?

The purpose of registering with others, especially those in your neighborhood or cluster, is to ensure that you are participating in the activities of the conference alongside individuals with whom you are currently engaged with before and after in your local community building activities.

What if I need to cancel my conference registration?

It is important that you inform us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend. Your confirmation email will include a link to cancel your registration or you may call the Youth Conference Information Desk at: 847-733-3552 or youthconf@usbnc.org.

About Logistics

What should I do about transportation and lodging

Attendees must make their own lodging and travel arrangements. After registering for the Youth Conference, you will receive a confirmation email with more detailed information about your conference venue and accommodations. Be sure to make your hotel or university accommodation reservations for the duration of the conference.

If you need assistance with transportation or lodging, please contact your local Spiritual Assembly or the Youth Conference Information Desk at: 847-733-3552 or youthconf@usbnc.org.

My child is between the ages of 15 through 17, can they stay in the hotel without an adult?

Each hotel or university has a slightly different requirement. However, in general for every four youth between the ages of 15 through 17 there must be one adult available in the room or on same floor for of the hotel. You will receive additional information about the your venue once you complete registration for the youth conference.

How do I cancel my hotel or university accommodations?

If you reserved lodging, be sure to cancel your reservation directly with that hotel or university.

What should I do about meals?

Lunch and dinner will be provided at no charge for the three main session days of the conference. Please note that all attendees will be responsible for breakfast.

Other Topics

I am not between the ages of 15 through 30, may I offer to serve as a volunteer for the youth conferences?

If an individual would like to serve as a volunteer for the youth conference, they are requested to write to their regional council with their offer to serve AND they must fit the following requirements:

Be 31 years old or older.

Reside within 50 to 75 miles of the conference site, or will not require complimentary hotel accommodations.

Be able to serve for full days—at a 12 to 14-hour shift each day.

Have the physical stamina required for full-day shifts.

Be willing to serve in whatever capacity is needed.

How can I make a contribution to the Bahá’í Fund in support of the youth conferences?

Bahá'ís who wish to make a contribution to the Bahá’í Fund to help cover expenses can do so at www.mybahaifund.us or may send a check address to the Bahá’í National Fund (earmarked to offset the funds of the youth conferences).

May we set up a table to display or sell our product(s), e.g., books, jewelry, photography?

No. The purpose of these conferences is to assist growing contingents of youth to participate in the process of community building within their respective clusters. Therefore, to reduce distraction from this focus, there will be no vendors of any kind at the conferences in the United States.

I would like to offer some sort of arts at the youth conference, e.g., singing, playing an instrument, what should I do?

You may write to the Youth Conference Information Desk at youthconf@usbnc.org and, including your contact information, indicate what type of art you would like to offer.